"As a child of the ‘80s and ’90s, girl names that started with “K” were everywhere. Katies and Katherines were nearly as plentiful as the Jennifers and Jessicas of the time. Me? I’m a Kathleen. I love my full name, but my dad insisted I be called “Kathy.” The story goes my mom had a hard time calling me by my name when I was a baby because all her friends were named Kathy (yes, I have a Boomer name).
To me, “K” names also feel inherently feminine. Not only because I was surrounded by “K” names growing up, but so many are derived from the Greek word for “pure” (katharos). And we all know purity was considered a top female virtue in the past—and still is by some cultures today. Pop culture is also at play with common “K” names for girls due to the expansive female Kardashian/Jenner clan.
Regardless of their popularity, girl names that start with “K” can be the perfect choice for a new baby girl, especially because many parents can make the names feel more unique with how they spell them, as you’ll see below. Keep scrolling for plenty of “K” baby name inspiration.
Baby girl names that start with K
Kaia
With multiple origins, meanings, and spellings—Kaia can mean “pure,” “sea,” and “life.”
Kairi
This Japanese girls’ name has a similar nature-inspired meaning. Kairi means “sea.”
Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn didn’t become a popular name until the 1980s, then shot up the list in the 1990s and early 2000s. This “K” girls’ name means “pure.” Other popular spellings are Katelyn and Kaitlin.
Kaliyah
Of Arabic origin, Kaliyah means “beloved” or “darling.” Other spellings include Kahleah, like WNBA star Kahleah Copper.
Kamiyah
A pretty Hawaiian “K” name alternative to the popular girls’ name Kehlani, this name means “precious one.”
Kamryn
A gender-neutral name with Scottish roots and a meaning that likely goes way back to the appearance of the original namesake. Kamryn means “crooked nose.”
Kara
Kara has multiple roots, including Irish and Scandinavian. According to the experts at Nameberry, the name means “wild stormy one”—a fierce pick for a strong girl.
Karolina
Of Polish origin, Karolina is another strong pick for a little girl. It means “free man/woman” and “warrior.”
Kashvi
One of the most popular girl names in India, for good reason. Kashvi means “bright.”
Katalina
This elegant “K” girls’ name of Spanish and Greek origin means “pure.”
Kate
Meaning “pure,” Kate is also a popular middle name for girls and would pair well with a longer last name.
Kathleen
Kathleen fell off the list of the 1000 most popular girl names in 2021 but was a popular girls’ name in the 1940s and 1950s. Of Irish origin, Kathleen also means “pure.”
Katia
Often used as a nickname for Katerina, the Russian Katia (also spelled Katya) stands on its own as a pretty first name and means “pure.”
Kavya
A little Kavya could have a writing career in her future. This Indian girl name that starts with “K” means “poem.”
Kay
This short and sweet “K” name was popular in the 1940s. Sometimes used as a nickname for longer names like Kathleen or Katherine, Kay on its own has Greek origins and means—you guessed it—“pure.”
Kehlani
By far the most popular of the baby girl names with “K” if you combine all the various spellings—Kahlani, Kailani, Kailany, Kalani, Kaylani, Keilani, Khalani—with Kehlani as the most popular spelling in 2024. This Hawaiian name has a beautiful meaning: “sea and sky.”
Keira/Kiera
A “K” girl name of Irish origin, Keira means “dark-haired.” This girl’s name that starts with “K” shot up the popularity list between the years 2003 and 2004—right after actress Keira Knightley made her debut in the blockbuster movie, Pirates of the Caribbean.
Kendall
Traditionally a British surname, meaning “the Kent River Valley,” Kendall has become popular as a first name for girls and boys. Of course, I couldn’t fail to mention pop culture’s influence on the name of famous model Kendall Jenner.
Kennedy
One of the most popular “K” baby names for girls and boys, this gender-neutral pick has leadership vibes, meaning “helmeted chief.”
Khaleesi
While Game of Thrones may have wrapped in 2019, Daenerys Targaryen’s royal name lives on. The fictional name meaning “queen” appeared on the most popular girl names in the U.S. in 2014 and has stayed there for a decade.
Killiann
This Celtic name is ready for a tough gal. It means “little warrior.”
Kingston
Considered a traditional boy name for girls, Kingston means “king’s town.” Notable female Kingstons include a DCOM Zombies star, Kingston Foster.
Koda
A modern version of the Native American Dakota, the sweet but strong title means “friend.”
Korrigan
A surname baby name more unique than Kendall or Kennedy, this Irish moniker has magical vibes. Korrigan is associated with mischievous fairies known for their beautiful hair in Breton folklore.
Krisha
Of Hindu origin, this pretty “K” girls’ name has multiple meanings, including “dark blue”/”black,” and is associated with “prosperity” and “protection.”
More girl names that start with K
- Kacy/Kacey
- Kadi/Kady
- Kaeli/Kaylee/Kayleigh
- Kailea/Kalea/Kaila
- Kallie/Kali
- Kamala
- Kami
- Kamdyn
- Karen
- Karina
- Karla
- Karoline
- Karsyn
- Karter
- Kassidy
- Kathy/Kathee/Kathie
- Kataleya
- Katerina
- Katherine/Kathryn
- Katie/Katy
- Katrina
- Kaya
- Kayla/Keyla
- Keely/Keily
- Kelly
- Kelsey
- Kendra
- Kenna
- Kensley
- Kenzie
- Keva
- Keziah
- Khloe
- Kiana
- Kiara
- Kiandra
- Kimber
- Kimberly
- Kinley
- Kinsley
- Kira/Kirra
- Kirsten
- Kit
- Kora
- Korinne
- Kourtney
- Kristen/Kristin
- Krista
- Kristy/Kristie
- Kyla
- Kylie/Kylee
Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor
Kathy Sisson has been a key contributor in the editorial parenting space for eight years, not only as a full-time editor at The Everymom but previously as a freelance writer for top parenting sites, including Scary Mommy, Motherly, Parent Co., and more. As an editor at The Everymom, she has produced hundreds of articles on a range of parenting topics, reviewed dozens of family-focused products, interviewed leading experts in the children and parenting world, and created viral parenting social media content. A mom of two, she is committed to sharing the honest, helpful, and often humorous stories of motherhood.